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Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation can be delivered from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from a radioactive source placed in the body (brachytherapy).

The type of radiation therapy prescribed by a radiation oncologist depends on many factors, including:

The type of cancer.

The size of the cancer.

The cancer’s location in the body.

How close the cancer is to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation.

The patient’s general health and medical history.

Whether the patient will have other types of cancer treatment.

Other factors, such as the patient’s age and other medical conditions.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION THERAPYExternal-beam radiation therapy is most often delivered in the form of high-energy X-rays. Many types of external-beam radiation therapy are delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator. This creates high-energy radiation that is used to treat cancer.

BRACHYTHERAPYBrachytherapy is radiation delivered from radiation sources placed inside or on the body. Several brachytherapy techniques are used in cancer treatment. Interstitial brachytherapy uses a radiation source placed within tumor tissue, such as within a prostate tumor.